header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
July 5
1914 - Rev. Wolcott H. Evans, the future "pastor of the disaster," named pastor of Newhall's First Presbyterian Church [story]
church
SCV’s First Rabid Bat of 2016 Turns Up in Castaic
| Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016
Photo by Jessica Branch
The actual rabid bat in Castaic. Photo by Jessica Branch.

 

The Santa Clarita Valley’s first rabid bat of 2016 was found this month on the ground outside of a residential garage in Castaic, according to the county Health Department officials who track such things.

While the SCV was home to more than half of the rabid bats identified in Los Angeles County last year, the Castaic case wasn’t the county’s first of 2016, but the fourth.

The county’s first rabid bat turned up at a school in Calabasas in January. The second was found in a public park in La Canada-Flintridge in March. The third was found on the 23rd floor of an office building in downtown Los Angeles in early April.

rabies041216There has been a dramatic increase in the number of rabies cases across the county over the past five years, and public health officials don’t know why.

All carriers have been bats – but less than 1 percent of bats have rabies. Most bats are good. They hunt and kill harmful insects.

But if you see a bat flying during the daytime, or bothering a small child or family pet, or flopping around on the ground – or dead – don’t pick it up. It’s probably sick and infectious. Call the Castaic Animal Shelter at 661-257-3191 and let them deal with it. They’re trained professionals.

 

 
Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

22 Comments

  1. Randy says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    United Bat Control specializes in solving bat problems.

    Reply
  2. Crystal Winger says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    Jessica Branch

    Reply
  3. Jessica Branch says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    Yep.

    Reply
  4. Jessica Branch says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    Here’s the culprit.

    Reply
  5. Crystal Winger says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    Can’t believe how tiny it was!

    Reply
    • Jessica Branch says:
      Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

      Glad I called! The abnormal behavior is what made me call animal control.

      Never to touch a bat if found. Make sure to warn children. This little guy was about the size of a mouse and kinda cute. Could have been much more serious had any of us or our pets had come in contact with it.

      Reply
      • Randy says:
        Monday, Apr 25, 2016 at

        Jessica, have you had your house inspected to ensure bats haven’t infested the attic or walls? It’s a good idea to do so before bat maternity season begins, which is when colonies start birthing new pups (babies).

        Reply
  6. Laurie Bentley says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    So glad you were the one to find it Jessica, and not one of the kids or the dogs.

    Reply
  7. Alyson Tonoffun Yee says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    JJ Adkisson

    Reply
  8. Joseph Rankin says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    Somebody needs to take a PhotoShop class. -__-

    Reply
  9. Joey Cavoto says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    Tanya Cavoto

    Reply
  10. Doug McEwen says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at
    Reply
  11. Yaeko Tsuboi says:
    Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016 at

    cover your hair

    Reply
  12. Chris Richardson says:
    Wednesday, Apr 13, 2016 at

    Yikes

    Reply
  13. Kimberly A. Mahaffey Blaquera says:
    Wednesday, Apr 13, 2016 at

    Poor thing. Please dont declare war on bats out of ignorance. they play an important role in our world.

    Reply
    • Jessica Branch says:
      Wednesday, Apr 13, 2016 at

      Yes, exactly! We respect all living creatures. Bats have a great purpose and we appreciate them. This is not a call to kill every bat seen. Rather it is more of a lesson in how to spot abnormal behavior that may indicate an infectious disease and a warning not to take chances with touching an innocent looking bat.

      In this case I placed a box over him and the animal control take over.

      Reply
  14. Marisol Corona says:
    Wednesday, Apr 13, 2016 at

    Glad no one touched it!!! Thanx Jessica for the warning! ??

    Reply
  15. Melissa Lopez Reynish says:
    Wednesday, Apr 13, 2016 at

    Lacey Reynish

    Reply
  16. Melissa Metcalf Hernandez says:
    Wednesday, Apr 13, 2016 at

    Sarah Robertson Foster

    Reply

Leave a Comment
SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
> LOCAL NEWS ARCHIVE
SCOTUS Restores Local Authority to Enforce Camping Regulations
Friday, Jul 5, 2024
SCOTUS Restores Local Authority to Enforce Camping Regulations
The United States Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, recently issued a ruling that will increase the city of Santa Clarita's authority to enforce public camping ordinances that dictate where homeless people can camp and sleep.
FULL STORY...
CDPH Urges Californians to Avoid Wildfire Smoke
Friday, Jul 5, 2024
CDPH Urges Californians to Avoid Wildfire Smoke
With wildfire smoke and reduced air quality affecting many California communities, the California Department of Public Health is urging Californians to take steps to protect themselves from air pollutants.
FULL STORY...
Excessive Heat Warning, Advisory Updated by County Health
Friday, Jul 5, 2024
Excessive Heat Warning, Advisory Updated by County Health
The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an update for the excessive heat warning and advisory as high temperatures have been forecast for Los Angeles County.
FULL STORY...
Keep Up With Our Facebook
SCVTV Santa Clarita
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Aug. 2: ‘Hot Summer Séance’ with Patti Negri at The MAIN
Patti Negri, renowned for her psychic abilities, will host “Hot Summer Seance,” at the MAIN, 24266 Main Street., Newhall, CA 91321 Friday, Aug. 2 from 8-10 p.m.
Aug. 2: ‘Hot Summer Séance’ with Patti Negri at The MAIN
SCOTUS Restores Local Authority to Enforce Camping Regulations
The United States Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, recently issued a ruling that will increase the city of Santa Clarita's authority to enforce public camping ordinances that dictate where homeless people can camp and sleep.
SCOTUS Restores Local Authority to Enforce Camping Regulations
Aug. 1: A Night of Narrative Jokin’ Folkin’ Funny Story Songs at The MAIN
A night of nothing but military-related stories in music with a dash of micro-fiction/prose poetry by Robert Morgan Fisher will be at the MAIN, 24266 Main Street., Newhall, CA 91321 Thursday, Aug. 1 from 8-10 p.m.
Aug. 1: A Night of Narrative Jokin’ Folkin’ Funny Story Songs at The MAIN
CDPH Urges Californians to Avoid Wildfire Smoke
With wildfire smoke and reduced air quality affecting many California communities, the California Department of Public Health is urging Californians to take steps to protect themselves from air pollutants.
CDPH Urges Californians to Avoid Wildfire Smoke
Excessive Heat Warning, Advisory Updated by County Health
The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an update for the excessive heat warning and advisory as high temperatures have been forecast for Los Angeles County.
Excessive Heat Warning, Advisory Updated by County Health
July 9: Crayon Melting at Canyon Country Library
Visit the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 on Tuesday, July 9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to create beautiful artwork from melting old crayons.
July 9: Crayon Melting at Canyon Country Library
July 7: Sierra Hillbillies Host ‘Masquerade’ Square Dance
The Sierra Hillbillies Square and Round Dance Club is hosting and Black and White Masquerade square dance 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.
July 7: Sierra Hillbillies Host ‘Masquerade’ Square Dance
Cameron Smyth | The Rink is Rolling Along
Growing up in the 1980s, I have many fond memories of spending time with friends at the Skate-N-Place on Soledad Canyon Road.
Cameron Smyth | The Rink is Rolling Along
Today in SCV History (July 5)
1914 - Rev. Wolcott H. Evans, the future "pastor of the disaster," named pastor of Newhall's First Presbyterian Church [story]
church
July 20-Aug. 11: ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’ at Performing Arts Center
The Canyon Theatre Guild will present Santa Clarita Regional Theatre's production of "Disney's The Little Mermaid" at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.
July 20-Aug. 11: ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’ at Performing Arts Center
SCV Parade Marches Through Old Town Newhall
The 92nd annual Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade attracted thousands to the streets of Old Town Newhall to cheer more than 100 parade entries representing politicians, scout troops, businesses, nonprofits, fraternal organizations and others.
SCV Parade Marches Through Old Town Newhall
City to Discuss Hart Park Transfer from L.A. County
The Santa Clarita City Council is scheduled to discuss the transfer of William S. Hart Park to Los Angeles County at the Council's regular meeting Tuesday, July 9, at 6 p.m.
City to Discuss Hart Park Transfer from L.A. County
‘Shrek Jr. The Musical’ Coming to Canyon Theatre Guild
"Shrek Jr. The Musical," presented by Canyon Theatre Guild’s STARS program, will perform weekends from July 6 to July 14.
‘Shrek Jr. The Musical’ Coming to Canyon Theatre Guild
Elks Lodge Honors American Flag at Annual Ceremony
The history of the United States of America Flag was shared by Santa Clarita Elks Lodge 2379 officers at their annual Flag Day Ceremony, which was held June 14.
Elks Lodge Honors American Flag at Annual Ceremony
Today in SCV History (July 4)
1932 - Robert Poore wins the greased pole climbing contest and $2.50 at Newhall's July 4th celebration [story]
4th of July Parade
Celebrate Fourth of July in the Santa Clarita Valley
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Santa Clarita with a full day of festive events including a run, pancake breakfast, parade and fireworks.
Celebrate Fourth of July in the Santa Clarita Valley
Sheriff’s Department Gives Vehicle Theft Awareness Tips
In an effort to prevent vehicle thefts or thefts from vehicles, remember the following simple safety tips.
Sheriff’s Department Gives Vehicle Theft Awareness Tips
Veteran Homeless Drops 22 Percent From Previous Year
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority annual Point-in Time count of residents experiencing homelessness revealed a 22.9% reduction in the level  of homeless veterans. 
Veteran Homeless Drops 22 Percent From Previous Year
County Kicks-Off Annual Youth@Work Program
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity kicked off its award-winning Youth@Work program, announcing the availability of up to 10,000 paid employment opportunities for local county youth.
County Kicks-Off Annual Youth@Work Program
The Big I Do Returns With Lavish Giveaways
The city of Santa Clarita’s The Big I Do event is returning on Valentine’s Day, 2025, with chances to win big. 
The Big I Do Returns With Lavish Giveaways
Start Summer By Upgrading to a REAL ID
More than 17.7 million Californians now have a REAL ID, an increase of 137,929 from the previous month, according to California Department of Motor Vehicles data.
Start Summer By Upgrading to a REAL ID
L.A. County Rent Registry Now Open
Those who own rental properties or mobile home parks, it’s time to complete the Rent Registry 2024-25 registration.
L.A. County Rent Registry Now Open
Local Leaders Look to Attract Major Investors
SCVEDC recently participated in two major investment conferences: SelectLA hosted by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, as well as the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C.
Local Leaders Look to Attract Major Investors
SCVNews.com